PWHL Expands to San Jose, Adding a West Coast Hub
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is set to broaden its footprint with the addition of a San Jose franchise, marking the league’s first California team and its third West Coast club after Seattle and Vancouver.
The new club is slated to debut in the 2026‑27 season, playing its home games at the SAP Center and conducting training sessions at Sharks Ice, a state‑of‑the‑art facility in the city.
Partnership and Community Impact
The expansion effort was led by Sharks Sports & Entertainment in partnership with the City of San Jose, leveraging the region’s deep‑rooted hockey culture and strong support for women’s sports.
With over 3,800 registered female players in California, the Bay Area ranks sixth nationally in participation, underscoring the untapped talent pool and fan base that the league hopes to tap.
The league, launched in 2024, has quickly risen to prominence, holding the worldwide attendance record for a women’s hockey game and earning recognition as Sports Business Journal’s 2024 Breakthrough of the Year.
The forthcoming team will sport a color palette of orange, blue and white, a design choice that reflects both the Bay Area’s vibrant identity and the PWHL’s commitment to visibility.
Commissioner Amy Scheer, rising star Macklin Celebrini and local advocate Matt Mahan have all voiced enthusiasm for the franchise, highlighting the mutual benefits for the league, the city and the sport’s growing audience.